Despite crawling back from a 19-point deficit incredibly shorthanded, the Los Angeles Lakers came up short against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center, 107-101, marking their third consecutive loss this week. The Lakers were without D’Angelo Russell, Nick Young, Jose Calderon and Larry Nance Jr. and lost Tarik Black midway through with a moderate ankle sprain.
Head coach Luke Walton decided to go with the most unconventional lineup we’ve seen this season, opting to play matchups and keep the scoring duo of Lou Williams and Jordan Clarkson together, starting Brandon Ingram, Metta World Peace, Luol Deng, Julius Randle and Timofey Mozgov.
Ingram discusses what it was like to start at the point guard position for the Lakers and whether he hopes to continue to be given that opportunity. Randle evaluates the rookie’s starting performance at the point and not letting the injuries affect this squad.
After scoring 40 points in their loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday, Williams once again led the team off the bench with a game-high 38 points, the first time the veteran has had consecutive 30+ point games in his career.
After the game, Walton says he was incredibly happy with how his team fought, giving themselves a chance to win the game after pulling to within three points with three minutes to play. Walton also discusses his starting unit decision and whether he would consider breaking up the bench unit.
Williams and Clarkson both react to how they would feel about breaking up their bench duo. It’s all in our videos below.
Luke Walton
Jordan Clarkson
Lou Williams
Brandon Ingram
Julius Randle
Thomas Robinson
Los Angeles Lakers(96) - Minnesota Timberwolves(103)
